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    • Dr Anna Hopkins
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    • Dr Anna Hopkins

      Dr Anna Hopkins

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  • Google Scholar profile
    http://scholar.google.com.au/citations?user=nwMHMgkAAAAJ&hl=en
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  • ResearchGate
    https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Anna_Hopkins
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Dr Anna Hopkins

Senior Lecturer

Staff Member Details
Telephone: +61 8 6304 5718
Email: a.hopkins@ecu.edu.au
Campus: Joondalup  
Room: JO19.337  
ORCID iD: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8090-5544

Anna is a Lecturer in conservation biology and environmental science in the School of Science. Anna is also the Post Graduate Coordinator (Science Coursework) in the Science Discipline.

Coordinator

J48 Master of Environmental Science
L86 Master of Environmental Management
S01 Graduate Diploma of Environmental Management
F78 Graduate Certificate of Environmental Management

Teaching

SCI6104 Environmental Management Project

Background

2013-present: Research Associate, Centre for Climate Change,Forest and Woodland Health, Murdoch University, Perth, Australia
2010-2013: Researcher, Department of Forest Mycology and Plant Pathology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden
2006-2010: Postdoctoral Fellow, Scion (New Zealand ForestResearch Institute), Rotorua, New Zealand
2006: Associate Lecturer in Plant Pathology, University ofTasmania, Hobart, Australia
2003-2006: Sessional Lecturer, University of Tasmania,Hobart, Australia

Awards and Recognition

National and International

  • 2010: Finalist for the New Zealand Zonta Women in Science Award 2010.
  • 2009: Best New Presenter Award, 2009 New Zealand Plant Protection Society Conference, Dunedin, New Zealand.
  • 2006: Best Poster in Biodiversity & Conservation, International Mycological Congress 8, Cairns, Australia.
  • 2003: Awarded second place in student poster competition, 34th Australian Entomological Society and 6th Invertebrate Biodiversity Conference, Hobart, Tasmania.

University and National Teaching Awards

  • 2006: Teaching Merit Certificate, University of Tasmania.

National and International Research Positions

  • 2014-present: Deputy coordinator, International Union of Forest Research Organisations (IUFRO) Working Party 7.03.04 Diseases and Insects in Forest Nurseries.
  • 2011-2013: Short-term Scientific Mission Coordinator and Steering Committee Member, European Union COST Action Determining invasiveness and risk of Dothistroma (DIAROD).
  • 2010-2013: Member, European Union Framework Seven project ISEFOR: Increasing sustainability of European forests: Modelling for security against invasive pests and pathogens under climate change.
  • 2010-2012: Member, Future Forests research group: Sustainable strategies under uncertainty and risk (Sweden)

Research Areas and Interests

I am a conservation biologist and fungal ecologist, with experience working with soil microbes, plant-fungal-fauna interactions and fungal plant pathogens in eucalypt and other broadleaved forests and pine plantations in both Australasia and Scandinavia. More recent interests include understanding the link between my corrhizal fungi, fauna conservation and plant ecology, and using next-generation sequencing of microbes to answer broad ecological and management-based questions.

Current research projects include:

  • Overcoming challenges to post-mining land use on Christmas Island: Soil microbial diversity
    Katinka Ruthrof, Anna Hopkins, Sophie De Meyer, Neale Bougher, Graham O’Hara, John Howieson & Giles Hardy.
  • High-throughput sequencing reveals a marked diversity of fungi spread by a common biopedturbator
    Anna Hopkins, Natasha Tay, Gillian Bryant, Treena Burgess, Halina Kobryn, Giles Hardy & Trish Fleming. Supported by the City of Mandurah
  • Scats as mycorrhizal inoculum to improve seedling health
    Natasha Tay, Anna Hopkins, Treena Burgess, Giles Hardy & Trish Fleming.  Supported by the City of Mandurah
  • Translocating keystone species – ectomycorrhizal fungal assemblages in the presence of a native digging mammal
    Shannon Dundas, Anna Hopkins, Katinka Ruthrof, Treena Burgess, Giles Hardy & Trish Fleming.  Murdoch University Small Grant
  • Does it matter who digs? Examining the microscale impact of digging using multiple animal species
    Anna Hopkins, Shannon Dundas, Katinka Ruthrof, Lara Osborne, Treena Burgess, Giles Hardy & Trish Fleming. Murdoch University Small Grant
  • Microbial diversity in ephemeral rock pools in northern Kimberley
    Anna Hopkins, Christina Birnbaum, Treena Burgess, Deepak Kumaresan, Ben Grez, Andy Whiteley, Matthew Barrett & Adam Cross.  Murdoch University Small Grant
  • Impact of drought on soil fungi in the jarrah forest
    Anna Hopkins, Katinka Ruthrof, Treena Burgess, Giles Hardy, Joe Fontaine.  Murdoch University Small Grant
  • The effects of experimental warming on rhizosphere fungal composition in a Mediterranean-type ecosystem
    Christina Birnbaum, Anna Hopkins, Joe Fontaine, Neale Enright.

Qualifications

  • Doctor of Philosophy, University of Tasmania, 2007.
  • Diploma of Modern Languages, The University of Western Australia, 2002.
  • Bachelor of Science (Hons), The University of Western Australia, 2002.

Research Outputs

2024

Journal Articles

  • Hopkins, A., Brace, A., Bruce, J., Hyde, J., Fontaine, J., Walden, L., Veber, W., Ruthrof, K. (2024). Drought legacy interacts with wildfire to alter soil microbial communities in a Mediterranean climate-type forest. Science of the Total Environment, 915(1), Article number 170111. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.170111.
  • Treloar, S., Lohr, C., Hopkins, A., Ottewell, K., McArthur, S., Davis, R. (2024). Scat Dna As A Non-Invasive Method For Estimating The Abundance Of The Vulnerable Mala (Lagorchestes Hirsutus). Wildlife Research, 51(1), article number WR22122. https://doi.org/10.1071/WR22122.

2023

Journal Articles

  • Birnbaum, C., Dearnaley, J., Edigi, E., Frew, A., Hopkins, A., Powell, J., Aguilar-Trigueros, C., Liddicoat, C., Albornoz, F., Heuck, M., Dadzie, F., Florence, L., Singh, P., Mansfield , T., Rajapaksha, K., Stewert, J., Rallo , P., Peddle, S., Chiarenza, G. (2023). Integrating soil microbial communities into fundamental ecology, conservation, and restoration: examples from Australia. New Phytologist, 241(3), 174-981. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1111/nph.19440.
  • Avenant, C., Fossette, S., Whiting, S., Hopkins, A., Hyndes, G. (2023). Sea Turtle Eggs and Hatchlings are a Seasonally Important Food Source for the Generalist Feeding Golden Ghost Crab (Ocypode convexa). Estuaries and Coasts, 2023(Article in press), 18 pages. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1007/s12237-023-01309-4.
  • Decker, O., Edigi, E., Hopkins, A., Danks, M., Gibb, H. (2023). Reintroduction of threatened digging mammals influences soil microbial communities differently along a rainfall gradient. Pedobiologia, 99-100(Article in press), Article number 150889. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pedobi.2023.150889.
  • Li, Y., Hopkins, A., Davis, R. (2023). Going, Going, Gone The Diminishing Capacity Of Museum Specimen Collections To Address Global Change Research: A Case Study On Urban Reptiles. Animals, 13(6), article number 1078. https://doi.org/10.3390/ani13061078.

2022

Journal Articles

  • Kestel, J., Field, D., Bateman, P., White, N., Allentoft, M., Hopkins, A., Gibberd, M., Nevill, P. (2022). Applications of environmental DNA (eDNA) in agricultural systems: Current uses, limitations and future prospects. Science of the Total Environment, 847(15 November 2022), article number 157556. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.157556.
  • Dundas, S., Orborne, L., Hopkins, A., Ruthrof, K., Fleming, P. (2022). Bioturbation by echidna (Tachyglossus aculeatus) in a forest habitat, south-western Australia. Australian Journal of Zoology, 69(5), 197-204. https://doi.org/10.1071/ZO22019.

2021

Journal Articles

  • Hopkins, A., Tay, N., Bryant, G., Ruthrof, K., Valentine, L., Kobryn, H., Burgess, T., Richardson, B., Hardy, G., Fleming, P. (2021). Urban remnant size alters fungal functional groups dispersed by a digging mammal. Biodiversity and Conservation, 30(13), 3983-4003. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10531-021-02287-4.
  • Treloar, S., Lohr, C., Hopkins, A., Davis, R. (2021). Rapid population expansion of Boodie (Burrowing Bettong, Bettongia lesueur) creates potential for resource competition with Mala (Rufous Hare-Wallaby, Lagorchestes hirsutus). Ecological Management and Restoration, 22(S1), 54-57. https://doi.org/10.1111/emr.12471.
  • Ritchie, A., Svejcar, L., Ayre, B., Bolleter, J., Brace, A., Craig, M., Davis, B., Davis, R., Van Etten, E., Fontaine, J., Fowler, W., Froend, R., Groom, C., Hardy, G., Hooper, P., Hopkins, A., Hughes, M., Krauss, S., Leopold, M., Miller, B., Miller, R., Ramalho, C., Ruthrof, K., Shaw, C., Stevens, J., Tagney, R., Valentine, L., Veneklaas, E., Hobbs, R. (2021). A threatened ecological community: research advances and priorities for Banksia woodlands. Australian Journal of Botany, 69(2), 53-84. https://doi.org/10.1071/BT20089.

2020

Journal Articles

  • Sapsford, S., Paap, T., Hopkins, A., Hardy, G., Burgess, T. (2020). Habitat fragmentation in a Mediterranean-type forest alters resident and propagule mycorrhizal fungal communities. Pedobiologia, 78(January 2020), Article number 150611. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pedobi.2019.150611.

2019

Journal Articles

  • Ruthrof, K., Hopkins, A., Danks, M., O'Hara, G., Bell, R., Henry, D., Standish, R., Tibbett, M., Howieson, J., Burgess, T., Harper, R. (2019). Rethinking soil water repellency and its management. Plant Ecology, 220(10), 977-984. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11258-019-00967-4.
  • Birnbaum, C., Hopkins, A., Fontaine, J., Enright, N. (2019). Soil fungal responses to experimental warming and drying in a Mediterranean shrubland. Science of the Total Environment, 683(15 September 2019), 524-536. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.05.222.

2018

Journal Articles

  • Ruthrof, KX., Fontaine, JB., Hopkins, A., McHenry, M., O'Hara, G., McComb, J., Hardy, G., Howieson, J. (2018). Potassium amendment increases biomass and reduces heavy metal concentrations in Lablab purpureus after phosphate mining. Land Degradation and Development, 29(3), 398-407. https://doi.org/10.1002/ldr.2866.
  • Hopkins, A., Ruthrof, KX., Fontaine, J., Matusick, G., Dundas, S., Hardy, G. (2018). Forest die-off following global-change-type drought alters rhizosphere fungal communities. Environmental Research Letters, 13(9), article no.095006. https://doi.org/10.1088/1748-9326/aadc19.
  • Phelps, C., Bernasconi, R., Danks, M., Gasol, J., Hopkins, A., Jones, J., Kavazos, C., Martin, B., Tarquinio, F., Huggett, M. (2018). Microbiomes of Western Australian marine environments. Journal of the Royal Society of Western Australia, 101(1), 17-43.
  • Dundas, S., Hopkins, A., Ruthrof, KX., Tay, N., Burgess, T., Hardy, G., Fleming, P. (2018). Digging mammals contribute to rhizosphere fungal community composition and seedling growth. Biodiversity and Conservation, 27(12), 3071-3086. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10531-018-1575-1.
  • Tay, N., Hopkins, A., Ruthrof, K., Burgess, T., Hardy, G., Fleming, P. (2018). The tripartite relationship between a bioturbator, mycorrhizal fungi, and a key Mediterranean forest tree. Austral Ecology: a journal of ecology in the Southern Hemisphere, 43(7), 742-751. https://doi.org/10.1111/aec.12598.
  • De Meyer, S., Ruthrof, KX., Edwards, T., Hopkins, A., Hardy, G., O'Hara, G., Howieson, J. (2018). Diversity of endemic rhizobia on Christmas Island: Implications for agriculture following phosphate mining. Systematic and Applied Microbiology, 41(6), 641–649. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.syapm.2018.07.004.

2017

Journal Articles

  • Power, MW., Hopkins, A., Chen, J., Bengtsson, SB., Vasaitis, R., Cleary, MR. (2017). European Fraxinus species introduced into New Zealand retain many of their native endophytic fungi. Baltic Forestry, 23(1), 74-81.

2016

Journal Articles

  • Millberg, H., Hopkins, A., Boberg, J., Davydenko, K., Stenlid, J. (2016). Disease development of Dothistroma needle blight in seedlings of Pinus sylvestris and Pinus contorta under Nordic conditions. Forest Pathology, 46(5), 515-521. https://doi.org/10.1111/efp.12242.
  • Klapwijk, MJ., Hopkins, A., Eriksson, L., Pettersson, M., Schroeder, M., Lindelow, A., Ronnberg, J., Keskitalo, EC., Kenis, M. (2016). Reducing the risk of invasive forest pests and pathogens: Combining legislation, targeted management and public awareness. Ambio, 45(2016), S223-S234. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13280-015-0748-3.

2013

Book Chapters

  • Oliva, J., Boberg, J., Hopkins, A., Stenlid, J. (2013). Concepts of Epidemiology of Forest Diseases. Infectious Forest Diseases (1-28). CABI.

2012

Journal Articles

  • Hopkins, A., Todoroki, CL., Pont, D. (2012). Assessment of the effect of Nectria flute canker on wood quality within mature Pinus radiata using multiple methods. European Journal of Forest Research, 131(2), 485-491. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10342-011-0522-4.
  • Hopkins, A., Dick, MA., Carlson, CA., Crane, P. (2012). Early investigations into the infection courts used by Neonectria fuckeliana to enter Pinus radiata stems. European Journal of Plant Pathology, 132(4), 537-548. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10658-011-9899-7.

2011

Journal Articles

  • Ganley, RJ., Watt, M., Kriticos, DJ., Hopkins, A., Manning, LK. (2011). Increased risk of pitch canker to Australasia under climate change. Australasian Plant Pathology, 40(2011), 228-237. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13313-011-0033-2.
  • Hopkins, A., Glen, M., Grove, SJ., Wardlow, TJ., Mohammed, CL. (2011). Wood-inhabiting fungi found within living Eucalyptus obliqua trees in southern Tasmania. Australasian Mycologist, 29(2011), 37-46.
  • Stenlid, J., Oliva, J., Boberg, JB., Hopkins, A. (2011). Emerging diseases in European forest ecosystems and responses in society. Forests, 2(2), 486-504. https://doi.org/10.3390/f2020486.

Research Projects

  • Using large floating islands to promote aquatic and terrestrial biodiversity in pit lakes , Australian Coal Association, Australian Coal Association Research Program, 2024 ‑ 2027, $787,290.
  • Chasing Flamingos - Tracking movement of synthetic eDNA in a river, Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions WA, Grant, 2022 ‑ 2026, $2,000.
  • Investigating habitat requirements for new homes for Gilbert's Potoroo, Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, Community Stewardships Grants 2022 - Large, 2023 ‑ 2025, $70,000.
  • Improving translocation success for Gilbert’s potoroo (Potorous gilbertii): Dietary and habitat complexities, Royal Society of Western Australia, RSWA John Glover Research Support Grants, 2024, $15,000.
  • Ecological monitoring of quenda (Isoodon fusciventer) at Craigie Bushland in the City of Joondalup, City of Joondalup, Grant, 2022 ‑ 2024, $38,061.
  • Understanding soil microbial community shifts in response to fire and weed invasions in urban banksia woodlands, Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions WA, Scholarships to Support Industry Engagement PhD Projects, 2018 ‑ 2023, $17,500.
  • Comparative analysis of diet in island populations of banded and rufous hare-wallabies in Shark Bay , Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions WA, Grant, 2021 ‑ 2023, $10,000.
  • Post fire successional change in the Banksia woodlands' soil fungal community, Australasian Mycological Society, Grant, 2022 ‑ 2023, $3,000.
  • Regenerative Agriculture and Soil Health: a comparative study from South-Western Australia, Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, Grant, 2021 ‑ 2022, $3,500.
  • Harnessing the microbes associated with soil water repellency to enhance plant survival and growth, Edith Cowan University, ECU Industry Collaboration Scheme - 2016 Open Round, 2017 ‑ 2019, $44,770.

Research Student Supervision

Current Supervisions

Principal Supervisor

  • Master of Science by Research, Micro Distribution of Aestivating Fish in Acidic Wetlands of Windy Harbour, Southwestern Australia
  • Doctor of Philosophy, Austropuccinia psidii in Western Australia: understanding its potential impact through epidemiology and host responses
  • Master of Science by Research, Assessing the dietary impacts of the translocation of hare-wallabies to a designed island ecosystem
  • Master of Science by Research, Chasing Flamingoes - tracking synthetic DNA in a river network
  • Doctor of Philosophy, Improving translocation success for Gilbert's potoroo (Potorous gilbertii): Dietary and habitat complexities

Associate Supervisor

  • Doctor of Philosophy, Taxonomy of the common brushtail possum Tribhosurus vulpecula in Australia
  • Master of Science by Research, Investigating the Conservation Status and Taxonomy of the Spectacled Hare-wallaby.

Completed Supervisions

Co-principal Supervisor

  • Changes in mycorrhizal assemblages associated with tree decline in marri.
  • Conservation status of bioturbator mammals and their potential role in restoring degraded agricultural landscapes.
  • The interactions between soil properties, mammal diggings and fungal assemblages for plant growth in the Northern Jarrah forest
  • Endemic and introduced Phytophthora species as native plant pre- and post-emergent damping-off agents in the kwongan

Associate Supervisor

  • Master of Science (Biological Sciences), Potential for resource competition between the boodie (Bettongia lesueur) and mala (Lagorchestes hirsutus) in the fenced Matuwa reserve, central Western Australia
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